Insomnia during pregnancy — it’s cruel, but pretty common. Let’s talk about why it happens, when it’s the most prevalent, and how to deal with it.
By OBGYN and fertility expert Dr. Kenosha Gleaton
So, you’re pregnant — you’re tired, nauseated, and walking around with a little human on your bladder. You probably feel like you need a good night’s sleep more than ever before, yet you can’t seem to fall asleep or stay asleep. Here’s the 411 on pregnancy and insomnia.
How pregnancy affects sleep patterns
Many women report having difficulty sleeping during pregnancy. One study found the incidence of insomnia in pregnant women ranges from 12% during the beginning of pregnancy to 73% towards the end of the third trimester.
There’s a multitude of reasons for disrupted sleep in pregnancy, including:
- Early pregnancy symptoms: including nausea/vomiting and frequent urination
- Mid-late pregnancy symptoms: fetal movement, heartburn, shortness of breath, cramping
- Hormones: oxytocin, estrogen, and progesterone are all being secreted in higher amounts and can influence wakefulness and the cortisol-melatonin ratio.
